Erebidae

Pronunciation: [Eh·REB·i·dee]

Common Name: Underwings, tiger moths, tussock moths, ctenuchid moths, and others

Description: This is an extremely diverse family of moths that is currently divided into 16 subfamilies. The more distinctive groups include:

Arctiinae (tiger moths, wasp moths, and ctenuchids). Often vivid and contrasting in color. Tiger moths are nocturnal but wasp moths and ctenuchids are often diurnal. Larvae are “woolly bears”.
Erebinae (underwings). Front wings mottled brown or gray cover hind wings marked with concentric bands of contrasting color.
Lymantriinae (tussock moths). Adults are typically camouflaged with brown or gray wings. Larvae bear conspicuous tufts of long hairs.
Hypeninae (snout moths). Adults are typically triangular in shape and have long palps resembling a snout.

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